March 27th, 2010
March 26. 2010


After reading a small percentage of the MI transcripts I have a few questions.

1. Cherie had you removed from her mother and stepfather’s home. Before leaving did Cherie, Cherie’s mother or stepfather confront you, explain to you what the alleged accusation was or offer the opportunity to defend yourself from the alleged accusation?

2. Do you know why Cherie would believe the children who have previously accused others of sexual abuse without giving you the opportunity to defend yourself?

3. That leads me to the question, why the accusers were not medically examined for the alleged sexual abuse immediately in Az?

4. Why didn’t Cherie call and report the alleged sexual abuse immediately? Since she was trained in sexual abuse due to her prior foster care status I would assume she would have known to get the accusers examined and report the alleged sexual abuse to the police.

5. When reading Jasmin’s testimony I found she was not alwasys reliable. She testified you had sex with her 3 to 4 times a week for 4 to 5 hours. She said you had great control. She said you had sex with her with many people present in the house, infact I believe all the children plus Cherie’s friend’s children were present when the sexual act was happening. She said these sexual relations were going on for about 4 years. She said you would have sex with her in your apartment on the weekends when infact you would go home from WI to MI on the weekends. Jasmin’s vaginal exam report indicated her hymen was intact. When I researched the hymen I found the hymen membrane will wear away with sexual relations, hormones and menses ( periods). Since Jasmin alleged the sexual relations were going on for 4 years, 2 to 3 times a week and for 4 to 5 hours, I am having a difficult time understanding why her hymen was intact when she was examined after the alleged sexual abuse? Was this evidence allowed in the Az trial? Did anyone explain to the jury what the exams indicated and how the hymen wears away with sexual activity as was alleged?

6. After reading Jesse’s interview with the Az detective I am curious of how reliable Jasmin was. He was her brother correct? Jesse said in the interview Jasmin lies all the time. Was this brought to the attention of the jury?

7. In the transcripts Jasmin said you shaved her pubic hair while in the hot tub. Is that correct? I am curious on how a person can submerge an electric razor in water without getting electrocuted. Was this brought to the attention of the jury and explained how electricity and water together work?

8. Last question for now. A testimony of the new owner of the “big house” indicated the house was not a quiet house. The new owner indicated you could hear noise through out the house. The new owner said you could hear noise from 1 floor to the next. You were alleged to have sex in the TV room in the “big house” with many children present. Was this mentioned at the Az. trial? The only reason I ask this is for the reliability of the children accusing you of the alleged sexual abuse.


Sharon, thank you for your eight (8) questions. I will answer them the best I can. If you desire more information on my answers, please ask again.

Question #1: Prior to leaving Cherie’s mother and step father’s home in Phoenix, Arizona there was some questions asked, but never to the extent of the allegations that later arose. While I was in Arizona, the only person I was accused of having sex was with Amanda. That supposedly occurred in the prop up camper the prior night. I was accused of “messing” with the “girls”, but I thought that was because I had let Allison drink alcohol. Which I admitted to. When the term “girls” was used, I thought it was a totality of circumstances, the alcohol and sexual abuse allegation of Amanda. At that point I was unaware of anyone else making sexual allegations. There was no “opportunity” to defend myself because Cherie was simply screaming at me. Cherie’s stepfather, Harold, did get Cherie to “talk” to me momentarily, but I was never made aware of any one making sexual allegations other than Amanda, at that point.

Question #2: No, I do not know why Cherie would not let me have an opportunity to “defend” myself. This amazes me because prior to that moment in time I had never had anyone around me question my behavior. When I did make poor parenting choices prior, someone always “told” on me. Allison told Jasmin I had let her drink and Amanda told Cherie we were in a hot tub together (with swim suits on), while Cherie was not at home. This hot tub was in our Rapid River home. The girls always had “sex” talks with Cherie about good touch/bad touch but never any uncomfortable incidents involving myself. So I do find it odd that no one questioned Cherie’s quick decision to side with the girls. It is a primary reason I believe Cherie was more involved right at the start. If you read Cherie’s stepfather’s Phoenix Police interview you will also see he questioned if the whole thing wasn’t made up. However, he did testify he never said that in the Arizona trial and the judge would not allow me to play his interview for the jury.

Question #3: I suspect the girls were not examined in Arizona because there would have been no evidence found and Cherie’s story would have fallen apart. Aside from Cherie’s prior training (and my own) Cherie’s stepfather, Harold, should have known to contact authorities. He was employed by the Department of Public Safety (Police Agency) and never called anyone. I did in fact tell Linda and Cherie to have the girls examined immediately. Instead, you will find they went to a party that night. I believe that is confirmed in either Linda’s or Sandy’s Michigan testimony. Once I get copies of the Arizona trial transcripts I will have better paperwork to fall back on as they are much more detailed.

Question #4: Cherie said she didn’t contact anyone in Arizona because she didn’t want to get “stuck” in Arizona. That can be found in her Michigan preliminary trial transcripts. I believe she didn’t contact anyone because the evidence would have shown the whole story was fabricated, with her leading the drama.

Question #5: I have never met Jasmin’ biological father but I could easily believe he also was falsely accused of sexual abuse. Although he did sign a plea “admitting” guilt, I honestly believe he in fact could be innocent of the charges filed against him. I would love to have his side of the story. The evidence of an intact hymen was introduced as evidence and expanded on by a medical expert witness. His opinion is that no abuse had occurred. Or at least no abuse like Jasmin described. If there was abuse like Jasmin describe he would have expected some type of evidence.

Question #6: Yes, Jesse is Jasmin’s brother. Jesse did not testify in Arizona. For some reason he became “Unavailable” during trial. At the very end of trial he became “available”. I did not call on Jesse that late in trial because there really was no need. Credibility had been destroyed and outside attorneys voiced that I had established enough reasonable doubt. Even courtroom staff and deputies had voiced I would be going home. When the jury believed I had “multi-colored” semen, Jesse’s testimony would not have helped anyhow.

Question #7: Yes, Jasmin said I shaved her pubic hair in a hot tub with water. In the Michigan trial she said there was only a “little” water in the hot tub. In Arizona she changed her story so that she was sitting on the edge. In Arizona all “stories” changed to be a whole lot more believable.

Question #8: Yes the owner of the house testified in Arizona how you could hear from one floor to the next.

I hope that helps you understand my situation better. If anything needs clarification please feel free to ask anything else. Once it becomes economically feasible I hope to have copies of the Arizona trial transcripts available for anyone who wishes to read them. My direct appeal has been filed an I am waiting on the state to respond. They are currently on their third continuance. Once they respond, my appellate attorney replies. Then all the Arizona transcripts will become mine. Then the world can read first hand my battle for justice here in Arizona.

I have a friend who I intend to utilize in an attempt to get all the transcripts up onto this website. Then I look forward to some interesting questions. So, friend do you have your scanner ready to begin?

March 1st, 2009

Well everyone, I want to update you on current events. Over the last several weeks I have been on a mailing campaign generating awareness regarding this web site. I have written law schools asking for direction and comment and I have written news agencies asking them to investigate.

As a result of my letter writing and this web site, some interesting results have occurred and good questions are being asked. A frequent comment I have received is that my web site “alleges” no medical evidence was found to support my conviction. A law professor stated if this were true, and I was previously acquitted, he found my situation “troubling”. So I have added a specific section to this site regarding the content of the medical and forensic reports. I hope this will assist everyone.

Additionally, some questions have been asked by others who are conducting some background research regarding my situation. As a result, it is possible some of you will be contacted for input. Currently, there are individuals who are considering writing a book regarding my situation.

Recently, through written correspondence, I have been asked the following questions, and I have provided these answers. Once again, many of these answers are confirmable with documents filed in the Arizona case. However, based on content described below, it is possible the state may move to seal some of the exhibits, motions and documentation addressed below.

Q. Were you ever given a polygraph test or offered to take one?
A. I have never been given a polygraph test. When I was first interviewed I was asked if I would take one. I said “yes” as long as a lawyer approved it.

Q. Were you interviewed by any police agencies in Arizona?
A. No

Q. How long after you were accused of sexual abuse before Cherie began dating?
A. The earliest I am aware of is 2 ½ months after my initial arrest.

Q. Do you think there was any impact to the children because you were removed from the home?
A. I am not sure what you are asking. I do know Jesse spent little time with Cherie after I was arrested. I know the personal religious beliefs changed after I was gone. One adopted accuser married briefly but was soon divorced after having an affair and becoming pregnant by someone other than her husband. And another adopted daughter also became pregnant by her boyfriend. These are different behaviors than what I witnessed in the home while I was there. If you are referring to finances I think the impact was minimal. Cherie may have replaced a portion of my income by simply getting food stamps. If that isn’t what you are asking, please be more specific.

Q. Why were you prevented from telling the jury you were able to flee while released on bond?
A. I’m not sure. I suspect if the Arizona jurors knew I was out on bond they would be able to guess I was acquitted in Michigan.

Q. Your web site indicates you were prevented from entering the judges chambers at some point. Did you ever waive any rights to be present at all times, or did you ever threaten the judge?
A. No, I never waived my rights. No, I never even misspoke to the judge.

Q. What was the reason the judge gave as to the admissibility of the pornography, and was it material ordinarily protected by the First Amendment?

A. Yes, the images would be considered legal. Some images were admitted even though they were never saved to the computer hard drive, simply they had appeared on the screen at some point while surfing the Internet.

Q. How many years were you and Cherie married?
A. We married in August 1989 and Cherie filed for divorce in January 2003 right after I was arrested. So about 13 years.

Q. How long were you married before you adopted the first child?
A. We began our first visits with Ryan, Amanda and Donald in the spring of 1998. So about 9 years.

Q. Why did you adopt and why adopt only special needs children?
A. Cherie could not get pregnant. No medical reasons were ever discovered while we were married. We adopted children-regardless of their needs, based on how they fit into the family as a whole. It is simply easier to adopt special needs children or children who are older.

Q. Was December 15, 2002 the first time you had taken any of the children to your apartment in Wisconsin or had you done this before?
A. There were different children, who on occasion, came to Wisconsin with me. The children who were home schooled were easier to bring to Wisconsin. So I began taking children to Wisconsin beginning around August 2002.

Q. Why did you take those two over there with you since there was ample room in the van for all of them plus Cherie’s friend and her children?
A. If this question is in regard to the last weekend I took children to Wisconsin, it was because I went to Wisconsin with Jasmin and Alex on Sunday. Cherie and everyone else drove down in the van on Monday night. Based on testimony, Linda had final exams on Monday in college.

Q. The girls that accused you, what was each one’s background before you adopted them?
A. This is a very broad question, but I think you are asking about their prior sexual history. If my answer isn’t what you’re looking for, please be more specific.
On accuser’s social report history indicates her biological father sexually abused her. There are social reports in which she described being abused by her older biological brother, another uncle and physical abuse by her biological mother. These reports were filed with the Arizona court but were ruled inadmissible by Judge Raymond Lee at trial time.
Another accuser’s prior abuse history is mostly alleged physical abuse inflicted by a step-grandmother. However, medical reports also indicate possible sexual abuse as the same grandmother reportedly found blood in the accuser’s bed sheets. Upon medical examination it was determined she was not sexually abused. These medical reports were filed with the Arizona court but was ruled inadmissible by Judge Raymond Lee at trial time.
Another accuser’s alleged history of abuse is extensively documented. There was alleged sexual abuse by her biological father involving oral, anal, and vaginal intercourse. She had also told police she was sexually abused by another 18 year old in her neighborhood. Michigan State Police investigated but no charges ever were filed. Police reports also indicate her behavior regarding younger neighbor children was a concern. Her biological mother took her to be medically examined following her allegations against her biological father. That doctor is deceased and her biological mother was precluded from telling the jury here in Arizona nothing was found to support the accuser’s claims. Police reports involving the accuser prior to adoption were also filed with the court here in Arizona. The content of those reports were also ruled inadmissible prior to trial by Judge Raymond Lee. However, the jury was able to hear there had been prior abuse.

Q. Were your parental rights terminated?
A. Following the criminal charges being filed, the State of Michigan filed a petition to terminate my parental rights. I initially was scheduled to have my rights terminated following a separate trial. I was then acquitted in Michigan and went to Wisconsin to face charges. When I entered my Alford Plea in Wisconsin and was going to be free to get on with life, I contacted the Court in Michigan so I could voluntarily relinquish my parental rights. After my experience I was not going to place myself back into such a volatile situation.

I hope these questions help each of you in your quest for truth and justice. As always, I have nothing to hide-so ask away!

November 8th, 2008

On October 23rd, 2008 Shannon asked 3 questions:

Why would these girls say these things about you? How old are the girls? Are they still sticking to their story after all this time?

Of these questions I want to start with the easy question first: the ages of the girls. Jasmin was born in January of 1986. Elsie was born in July of 1991, and Amanda was born in March of 1992. Today Jasmin is 22, Amanda is 16 and Elsie is 17 years old.

Why the girls said these things is a question I can’t answer but I have two theories. My first “opinion” is Cherie told them to say it to have me removed from the home for her financial benefit. Beginning in August of 2002 I have independent proof (Cherie’s best friend Linda) that Cherie had raised concern I was having extramarital affairs. By my removal, Cherie maintained full control of the State of Michigan’s adoption subsidy monies totaling nearly $105,000.00 per year, tax free. My other “opinion” is one of the girls began the allegations to have me removed, for this reason: in November, just prior to the allegations being made, Jasmin’s biological brother, Jesse, burned down one of my garages. This action caused me to voice my opinion, during a family meeting, that Jesse needed to be removed from the home for everyone’s safety. This was not well received by Jasmin, Elsie, Amanda or Allison. Cherie was also very upset with me as she appeared very close to Jesse. Amanda has testified how “mad” the girls were at me. Jasmin has testified Jesse was more important then me.

As to your question about are the girls “sticking” to their story. Only on the point sex did occur. Their stories changed over time. Jasmin told police intercourse last occurred prior to the Arizona vacation, and also testified our last intercourse supposedly occurred in Michigan, which was prior to the Arizona vacation. Yet I was convicted of several counts of having intercourse with Jasmin in Arizona. Amanda originally claimed I started having intercourse when she was 9 years old. Now she has changed her allegations to “right after I was adopted” which would place her at 6 years old. Elsie, who said there was digital penetration while on the sofa in Rapid River with several (10-12) people in the room has changed. Originally Elsie denied anything occurring in Michigan. But to this day, there has been no retraction of the allegations.

What I would like to ask anyone visiting this web site is this: What do you think would happen if the girls suddenly said, “oops, I made this up”? Think of the cases of mistaken identity cleared 15-20 years later due to DNA. How many of those accusers who said “he raped me” ever came forward and said “I made a mistake”? Not many. Do you think my accusers or Cherie would now tell the truth knowing they could face jail time? It will never happen. This is why all I have ever asked is for a fair trial. When a fair trial did occur, when all the facts were presented to a jury in Menominee, I was found “Not Guilty”. But that never happened here in Arizona before Judge Raymond P. Lee. Hope that helps answer your questions.

Steve

October 25th, 2008


Jesse, thank you for your posting to this web site. I already knew about his criminal history of which you wrote. Now I know why the State filed a motion to preclude me addressing his criminal history. It would have been another thing to show how Cherie has a hard time telling the truth. I am sorry she lied to you and the other kids, but the truth will come out. His record is on the Michigan Department of Corrections web site.

Now I want to address you on a personal note. You were in the camper most of the time I was there. You must realize the truth for yourself. Think about our relationship. Can you ever find one time I lied to you? Compare that with your relationship to Cherie.

Your first instinct will be to compare what you know about my affairs to my teaching in the church. Understand this, I resigned my position as a deacon before I ever cheated on Cherie. Even when you would ask if I had a girlfriend, I said yes. Everyone thought it was a joke, but I didn’t lie to you. I earned and deserved a divorce from Cherie. I deserved to lose half of everything I owned. I did NOT deserve to have false allegations made against me so she would get everything… which includes $105,000.00 per year of State money to raise the kids. Did I make some poor decisions as a parent? Yep, it was quite a learning experience. Jasmin and Allison will both find parenting will be a learning experience.

I was shocked and pleased you referred to yourself as my “son.” It made me quite happy. At some point I hope the rest of your adopted brothers and sisters have the courage to step out and write.

Your “Dad”

September 2nd, 2008

To begin with, I analyzed your questions as a group, noticing how you began with an open mind but progressed to possibly a predisposed opinion of guilt. I find that interesting because those 6 questions most likely represent the totality of all the individuals who visit this site. Those who believe I am innocent and those who believe I am guilty.

1. Assuming everything you say on your site is true. Why would all those agencies single you out to prosecute?

I would have to say because in the society that we live in “those agencies” are always taught to believe the child. Even after a full year of checking into everything that was alleged to be true by the children, those agencies NEVER found ANYTHING to verify ANY of the alleged abuse. Those agencies include Michigan’s Family Independence Agency, Gladstone, Michigan State Police Post, Escanaba, Michigan St. Francis Hospital, Kaukauna, Wisconsin Police, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Children’s Hospital, and the Phoenix, Arizona Police Department.

2. Why should I assume everything on your site is true?

When considering how to present this site to the public, I decided to present “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth”. I can’t do that by words alone as every story has two sides. So I chose to solidify my experience the only way I am able, by showing actual court documents submitted regarding the Arizona Trial. Remember, all these documents are readily available to the public. Visit the Maricopa County Superior Court website to view the Minute Entries. Visit the Arizona Court of Appeals to verify the filing of my appeals. Do not hesitate to ask questions specific to a topic which you find “unbelievable” and I will attempt to post evidence to support what I say is the truth. My guarantee to all readers is this: Anyone who is willing to challenge the truthfulness of any content on this website, if you have any proof of what I allege as not being the truth, I will post your comment. However, this site will remain professional towards both those for and against me throughout this endeavor.

3. Why should I believe there is a conspiracy against you?

I am not sure what you are referring to as a “conspiracy”. I am building this site to show that I did not receive a fair trial before Judge Raymond P. Lee. It is my opinion if the jury had been told the whole truth I would not have been found guilty. By allowing the jury to hear how I supposedly abused these kids in Michigan but refused to tell the jury I was acquitted of the alleged abuse is not fair. To tell the jury how my vehicle was “packed for flight” on January 5th, 2003 when I was first arrested, but refuse to tell the jury I was released on bond after I was charged in Arizona, is not fair. To let the jury believe I never had the ability to flee the Arizona charges is far from the truth. To prevent my defense from cross-examining police as to why they never questioned me seems unfair. I won’t say that is a conspiracy, I say it’s simply unfair to deny an individual the right to a fair defense. If this does not answer your question, please be more specific in what you are asking.

4. Why did a jury not believe your side of the facts and find you guilty?

Following the return of the “guilty” verdicts, I did have the jury polled as to why they felt the way they did. The biggest and most vocal reason was “because it appeared he was fleeing”. Judge Raymond Lee allowed the State to portray “flight”. On January 5th, 2003 when I was first arrested I had several items in my vehicle the police felt were evidence of flight. I was tried and acquitted regarding that arrest. I then became a totally free person. I even started a new engineering design and manufacturing company. I could have traveled the world. I had a car and a drivers license when I was arrested for this Arizona case. After that arrest I posted bond and was free again. I never fled. I came to Arizona voluntarily to face these charges. After I was charged in Arizona I could have gone to Mexico, or Canada or anywhere in the world. I didn’t. I stayed in Wisconsin getting my paperwork in order and came to Arizona of my own free will. However, I never was able to tell the jury that. Why hide the truth from the jury? I don’t know. There were other insignificant comments made by the jurors but that was their primary reason as told to me. The insignificant comments were not directed at me, but actually were towards my legal adviser.

5. Does this site somehow allow you to save face?

If I wanted to “save face” I never would have went public and worldwide, with my experience regarding the justice system. Ask yourself this question: If you were wrongly accused of murder and went to trial and was found “not-guilty”, would you be happy? How would you feel if it was decided one acquittal wasn’t enough, that you were going to be retried and this time your defense ability was removed? Would you be outraged? That’s what happened to me. “Saving face” would have caused me to tuck my head and hide. “Saving face” would not have subjected me to your scrutiny. “Saving face” would have caused me to take the State’s plea offer where I would have been eligible for probation. Instead I chose to fight, to subject myself to the inspection of you and everyone else. I have nothing to hide. Did I make some poor choices as a husband? Yes. Did I make some unwise decisions as a parent? Yes. Is this website about “saving face”? No, simply about truth.

6. Why can’t you accept the fact that you are guilty as charged and stop denying you molested the children?

Why should I accept a guilty verdict when I am innocent? When I began my Arizona fight, my innocence was already proven by a jury trial. How many trials should someone be subjected to? In Arizona, I began with 11 charges against me. Ten of those charges are what Arizona refers to as Class 2 Felonies. Before trial, I understood if I lost at trial I would never be free again. Then the State of Arizona asked me to consider a plea bargain that would make me eligible for probation. If I was guilty of molesting the children, their plea offer was a second chance at freedom. A gift from God. I refused to take freedom because I am innocent. I will refuse to give up until I am free. There are those who believe “constitutional right” is just a cute phrase which allows them to verbally demean a president in public, to attend a church of their choice or to own an arsenal of weaponry. I happen to believe the constitution guarantees the accused the right to a fair trial. If I had simply been afforded a fair trial, this website never would have been needed.

Thank You, Steve

August 25th, 2008

Question: Were any of the other men accused of molesting the girls charged?
Yes

Question: Was there a time when the girls said you were alone in the camper in Arizona?
Yes, Jasmin claimed we were alone while others went to a Flea Market. But Cherie, my ex-wife, contradicted her and said that everyone was to the Flea Market.

Question: Why were you banned from the Judge’s chambers?
I can’t speak for Judge Raymond Lee, and I can’t reply based on personal, first hand knowledge. I can only inform you what I was told by my advisory trial counsel, Mr. Evan Romberg.
At the start of trial, on one occasion Ms. Rachel Phipps-Yonas, Kevin Pollak, Evan Romberg and myself were required to enter the judge’s chambers to discuss trial scheduling. It was in regards to calling State witness Sandra Campbell out of turn while Cherie Queen, nee Karban, was still giving testimony for the State. Additionally, a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy was present. Following the brief, off record conference, we returned to the courtroom and continued trial.
Shortly after that meeting, I needed to go on the record outside the presence of the jury to address the State ignoring a prior ruling by Judge Raymond Lee. I was (in my opinion) reprimanded for wasting court time. Judge Lee then stated he wished to see the attorneys in his chambers without me. When my advisory counsel returned, Mr. Romberg informed me Judge Lee never wanted me in his chambers again, as Judge Lee was afraid of me.
Interesting enough, during trial I was required to perform as an attorney while wearing a leg brace and a shock belt underneath my shirt. Prior to trial, I filed a motion with the court so I would not be required to wear the leg brace. According to Arizona Case Law, a judge has control regarding court room security. However, Judge Raymond Lee also denied that request.
But as for specifically what was said in chambers as to why I wasn’t allowed back in, I don’t know as I wasn’t involved in the conversation. I will ask Mr. Romberg if he will give me the reason in writing.

August 12th, 2008

This blog is for asking questions of Steve.
Please place questions of Steve in the comments.
They will be relayed to Steve and answered within 10 days.
Thank you.

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